Assistant Corporation Counsel - Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Public service is calling you! Defend the treasury of one of America’s greatest cities!   

• Has some of the best lawyers in the state always available for consults
• Relax and collegial work environment
• Located in exciting Downtown Detroit

We are looking for people who are excited to thrive in an environment of impactful change.

• Processing FOIA requests in accordance with legal requirements and within the departmental time-frame.
• Frequently review a high volume of records that include email communications, calendars, policy or guidance memoranda, PowerPoint presentations, formal correspondence, video/audio, and other types of documents. The vast majority of these records are stored electronically as PDFs PSTs or TIFs (a small percentage are in hard copy but would be scanned into the electronic files)
• Reviewing records and using judgment and analysis to mark documents with applicable FOIA exemptions. Records vary from simple auto accidents and contracts to complete homicide case files.
• Coordinate with divisions within the organization to provide advice and guidance on FOIA matters, to facilitate responses to requesters, to ensure that searches conducted by divisions are adequate, to ensure that the documents produced are responsive, and to seek additional information or documents if necessary.
• Research, review, and analyze relevant statutes, case law, and Attorney General Opinions to provide legal advice and opinions to clients as well as applying exemptions properly under the FOIA.
• Seek scope clarification from requesters as needed; maintain a complete and accurate administrative record and provide status reports.
• Review and redact documents that are the subject of FOIA litigation and prepare indices for documents withheld or redacted.
• Type written reports, letters, and memorandums.
• Maintain monthly statistics, and other administrative tasks required in maintaining weekly calendar and billing requirements and organize files.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Diversified office experience to include work with word processing, spreadsheets (data entry), and computer systems including Word, Excel, Smartsheet and Adobe. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) knowledge and experience preferred but not necessary.

• Be self-sufficient managing your own workload.
• Able to work at your desk/computer the majority of your workday.
• Experience with the FOIA preferred but not required.

What You Should Have:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an approved American Bar Association
• Must be a member of the Michigan State Bar – License to practice in the State of Michigan

Attach a copy of your Cover Letter, Resume with References, and a Writing Sample!

Compensation is Competitive – Based on Qualifications

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training Experience & Personal Qualification: 30%
• Total of interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points